Vernon

Living rough on the streets of Vernon can he challenging at the best of times, but when the mercury drops to frigid temperatures, life is that much harder.

Kelly Fehr, co-executive director of Turning Points Collaborative Society, said there are more places than ever to get people in from the cold.

BC Housing is continuing to fund 13 emergency shelter mats and the new shelter, 33rd Street, has room for 40 people.

There are currently 20 people living in 33rd Street, which is next to the Gateway Shelter, and Fehr said every person that is placed in the transitional housing at 33rd Street means there is another available bed at the Gateway Shelter or Howard House.

“For 33rd Street, we are working with community partners completing application processes and assessments in order to move people in. That is underway and going very well,” said Fehr. “Some people have been moved directly from the street and some from the shelters. All of our shelters are full or close to full every single night.”

Fehr said their additional beds at 33rd Street will make a big difference.

“We are getting lots of people off the street,” said Fehr.

The temperature is supposed to drop to -14C Thursday night.

Modular units for Our Place, the temporary shelter next to Howard House are in place and is expected to be open by the end of January, early February 2019.

My Place, the low-income housing apartment is expected to be open in April.